Skiing and Snowboarding near Flagstaff, AZ Featured in
Flagstaff is nestled in the mountains and is home to Humphreys Peak, Arizona’s tallest natural point. It is no wonder that this area is the premier skiing destination in the state. The ski season in Flagstaff usually runs from mid-November through April. However, the most reliable months in terms of snow coverage and weather are February and March.
Arizona Snowbowl
In just a 25-minute ride north of Flagstaff, you can reach the best ski destination of the Southwest—Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort, located on the western slope of Humphreys Peak. It's famous for stunning views in any season and excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. The mountain belongs to the San Francisco Peaks, the volcanic range in the north-western part of the state. Ski or snowboard from an impressive elevation of 11,500 ft (3,505 m). Arizona Snowbowl offers a diverse experience with a decent number of black diamond trails, but also plenty of space for intermediate and beginning riders. The resort boasts 777 skiable acres, six aerial chairlifts, and two surface conveyors. With an average snowfall of 260 inches (660 cm), the area offers the best surface conditions in late winter and early spring. The resort also features the Flagstaff Snow Park with sledding and snow play for kids. Arizona Nordic Village offers cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Groomed skate and classic ski trails are approximately 16-ft (5-m) wide. Snowshoe trails are also open to snowmobiles, and snow biking.
Where to stay:The closest lodging to the Arizona Skibowl is Ski Lift Lodge and Cabins, located in the Ponderosa Pines area. There are also many hotels in Flagstaff, in just a short 20-minute drive from the mountain.
Elk Ridge Ski Area
Elk Ridge Ski Resort is only a 47-minute drive west of Flagstaff, near the town of Williams, Arizona, and is a great option for beginners and families with children. The small resort with about 2 mi (3 km) of slopes and 2 lifts available is easy to navigate and quite affordable. In addition to skiing and snowboarding experience, it also offers tubing.
